Prepare

Know Your Risk and Take Our Risk
Assessment Test

Your answers to a few questions will help estimate your
risk for developing a low white blood cell count
(a condition called neutropenia) during your chemotherapy.
Click on the appropriate button below to take the test:

Learn Steps to Help Prevent Infections

Protect

Know the Actions You Can Take to
Protect Yourself

Since a fever may be your body's only sign of an infection,
it's very important that you call your doctor immediatelyif you have a temp of 100.4 F or higher for more than 1 hour, or a
one-time temp of 101 F or higher.

Do You Know Your Risk?

Educational Materials

CDC created a variety of resources for patients and healthcare providers, including a quick reference sheet, fact sheets, posters, and videos.

About the Campaign

Preventing Infections in Cancer Patients is a public health campaign led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the CDC Foundation to raise awareness among patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers about steps they can take to prevent infections during cancer chemotherapy treatment. The campaign aims to reduce infections in cancer patients. PreventCancerInfections.org is an evidence-based, interactive online program designed to help assess a cancer patient’s risk for developing both a low white blood cell count during chemotherapy and subsequent infections.

Featured Content

If someone you love has cancer, this fact sheet (PDF) will help you understand a side effect of chemotherapy you should know about.

Don’t Leave Home Without It

Keep this information close at hand. Print our Quick Reference Sheet (PDF) and post it on your refrigerator or bulletin board. Cut out the card at the bottom of the page to keep your doctor’s phone numbers with you at all times. Healthcare providers: this is a great resource to include in your patient’s chemotherapy education packets.

"I never thought seriously about the risk of infection until I was hospitalized and unable to fight a fever. It’s so important to understand what steps you can take to help protect yourself."Donna Deegan, News AnchorBreast Cancer Survivor

All information on www.preventcancerinfections.org is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or serve as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for the care that patients receive from their healthcare providers. Please consult your healthcare provider for more specific information about your risk for a low white blood cell count and subsequent infections.